Minister for Education, Finance, Labour and Employment, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari today reiterated the government’s resolve to upgrade educational infrastructure, while asserting that the girl students deserve best facilities in schools to achieve their empowerment through education.“From the day one of my association with Education sector, I have favoured for filling up of infrastructural gaps in schools for achieving the desired results” the Minister asserted.Speaking at the annual day celebration function of Government Girls Higher Secondary School Canal Road, the Education Minister underlined the need for providing best facilities to the girl students in the run up to realize women empowerment through education.He said there is immediate need to make provision of drinking water, toilet blocks and proper sanitation in all schools lacking these facilities to attract maximum enrollment and contain dropout rate.Member Legislative Assembly, Jammu West, Sat Sharma, Director School Education, Jammu, Rakesh Kumar Srangal, Principals of various schools, staff of host school were present at the function.
Appreciating the rich ambiance of the school located in the heart of the city, the Minister called for making best use of the institutions with massive infrastructure. He said Kindergarten wings created in such prestigious schools would be further strengthened to meet the set standards. He also called upon the teachers to engage with children and help them to realize their potential. “I am highly optimistic about our teachers as they have matchless capabilities to guide the students towards success” Altaf Bukhari said while appreciating the achievements of students in academics and co-curricular activities listed by the school head while presenting the annual report. He advised the girls to work hard to create a niche in diverse fields, side by side academics.Responding to the issues raised by the MLA Sat Sharma, the Minister asked the DSEJ to conduct infrastructure audit of the school to identify areas where up-gradation is required. He also announced to establish a Science museum and provision for additional rooms for Kindergarten wing of the school which was also inaugurated by the Minister on the occasion. In his address, MLA Sat Sharma appreciated the achievements of the students in academics, sports and other co-curricular activities. He reiterated the resolve of the state and central governments towards women empowerment. Earlier, the girl students presented a colorful cultural programme featuring awareness skits on girl education besides folk and devotional songs and dances.